Rangpur: The recently implemented EIR project is effectively enhancing crop yields while revitalizing ecosystems, conserving surface water, and recharging groundwater levels in the greater Rangpur region. Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has executed the five-year term “Expansion of Irrigation in Greater Rangpur District through Best Uses of Surface Water and Conservation of Rainwater (EIR) project” at a cost of Taka 288-crore.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project has been implemented across 35 upazilas in Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Gaibandha districts. It aims to conserve surface water, free land from water-logging, provide irrigation for increased food production, forestation, and revive ecosystems. The project has transformed re-excavated rivers, canals, beels, and ponds into sanctuaries for algae, fish, birds, animals, and other fauna through tree plantation on their banks.
Rural communities are reaping benefits through enhanced agriculture, fisheries, and tree plantations. The project has facilitated the cultivation of vegetables, bananas, and grasses for livestock feed, and the rearing of ducks. Re-excavated water bodies are attracting native and migratory birds, aquatic plants, and rare species of trees, creating scenic landscapes.
BMDA officials report that the re-excavation of 33 extinct canals, rivers, and several beels and ponds has freed over 30,000 hectares of land from water-logging, benefiting two-lakh people. The project has enabled farmers to produce over two-lakh tonnes of additional Aman paddy annually, worth Taka 700-crore. Stored rainwater in these reservoirs also contributes to groundwater recharging and efficient water use in agriculture and households.
Farmers have expressed relief as their lands are freed from decades-long water-logging, allowing for the cultivation of Aman paddy and other crops annually. The revival of ecosystems in these water bodies is a notable outcome, with improved biodiversity and environment.
Residents like farmer Mashiur Rahman, housewives Halima Khatun and Mahfuza Begum, and others from Sangkarpur village have witnessed significant improvements in their livelihoods. Through re-excavation, they can now cultivate diverse crops and engage in sustainable practices like duck rearing and banana farming.
Further, the re-excavation of Bharardaho Beel in Badarganj upazila has created a picturesque landscape with tree plantations, becoming a sanctuary for local fauna. Meanwhile, canals like Boalerdara in Kurigram provide irrigation benefits and support community activities.
BMDA Superintending Engineer and EIR Project Director Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Khan emphasized the project’s success in promoting agriculture, forestation, and ecosystem revival, contributing to the production of additional crops using conserved surface water.